Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR): Foundations and Methods of Extended Realities

by Ralf Doerner (Editor), Wolfgang Broll (Editor), Paul Grimm (Editor)

This comprehensive textbook offers a scientifically sound and at the same time practical introduction to Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR). Readers will gain the theoretical foundation needed to design, implement or enhance VR/AR systems, evaluate and improve user interfaces and applications using VR/AR methods, assess and enrich user experiences, and develop a deeper understanding of how to apply VR/AR techniques. Whether utilizing the book for a principal course of study or reference reading, students of computer science, education, media, natural sciences, engineering and other subject areas can benefit from its in-depth content and vivid explanation. The modular structure allows selective sequencing of topics to the requirements of each teaching unit and provides an easy-to-use format from which to choose specific themes for individual self-study. Instructors are provided with extensive materials for creating courses as well as a foundational text upon which to build their advanced topics. The book enables users from both research and industry to deal with the subject in detail so they can properly assess the extent and benefits of VR/AR deployment and determine required resources. Technology enthusiasts and professionals can learn about the current status quo in the field of VR/AR and interested newcomers can gain insight into this fascinating world. Grounded on a solid scientific foundation, this textbook, addresses topics such as perceptual aspects of VR/AR, input and output devices including tracking, interactions in virtual worlds, real-time aspects of VR/AR systems and the authoring of VR/AR applications in addition to providing a broad collection of case studies.

439 pages, Paperback

Published January 13, 2022

Reviews

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good textbook covering the basic technologies used in developing VR and AR applications.

Each chapter is devoted to a different subject (e.g. latency, tracking, graphics, displays, haptics, etc.) and is written by a different author/group. As a result, there is no common narrative voice or theme that pervades the book to tie together the disparate subjects into a unified whole, which is of course essentially for a VR/AR system to work effectively. Also, the book was translated from German, so the language isn't always the best, but it's a technical textbook and not a work of literature, and it's certainly understandable if a bit dry.

Overall, an extremely useful resource for someone who may be an expert in one area, but lacks experience in some of the others.

[Sasan Pourmasoumi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an exceptional source of information for those who want to tap into the fundamentals of VR/AR. whether you are a beginner looking spark on a practical journey in XR, or need a reliable source to refer to while you are doing research, This could help you significantly.